Motivation: The One Thing Missing

When Motivation is the One Thing Missing

- Jenn Gill

Many runners often feel a little overwhelmed or even burned out at some point during their training. They feel as though they're in a rut or maybe even bored. The important thing is to recognize that it happens and there are ways to help get your motivation back and keep it! Here are some tips for finding motivation and staying motivated while you run:

1. JOIN A RUNNING GROUP! Having a commitment to run with a group once or twice a week can make all the difference in getting you out the door. Fleet Feet not only offers free group runs - FFSRC, but also training programs from WalkFIT 5K and No Boundaries 5K all the way through Full Marathon.

2. THINK ABOUT THE PAYOFFS. Every mile you run you burn roughly 100+ calories. Knowing you are burning calories, you may be more motivated to get out the door. Sometimes knowing you're going to eat a yummy treat makes putting in a long run a little easier (and the treat taste that much more rewarding!).

3. GET TECHNICAL. I had a running partner once that started running simply because of the cool running gear. She loved all the cool technical running clothes, the wonderful shoes, and watches that did all the thinking for her. While we joked with her and gave her a hard time, she had the right idea. If you have items that make you happy while you run, like an awesome pair of shoes that fit like a glove or an iPod in a comfortable armband that's playing your favorite tunes, you're more likely to actually run!

4. KEEP A RUNNING LOG. I love seeing my mileage add up! I'll even graph it to see how it climbs. And you know what? Sometimes that's enough to get me out the door. Writing in a big ol' goose egg is not fun!

5. RUN FOR A REASON. Do a race for charity. There are tons of races that benefit specific charities. You can raise money for a cause that means something to you. Oftentimes, when you know you're running to help someone else, it's easier to go the distance.

6. HOW YOU FEEL...AFTER! Remember that you will definitely feel physically (and more likely mentally) better after you run than before you started. Once you're warmed up, you'll wonder why you were feeling bad to begin with and you'll be glad you got out there.

7. JUST GET OUT THERE. If the thought of running your full workout is too much to handle, just tell yourself that you'll only run for 10 minutes. Chances are, once you're outside, you'll start to feel better and put in at least a few miles.

8. THERE WILL BE BAD DAYS. Accept the fact that there will be bad days. Some days will be slower than others, and some days might even hurt a bit. Sometimes just getting through your run is an accomplishment. That's OK. We all have bad days from time to time. As long as the good days outweigh the bad days - you're on the right track.

9. REWARD YOURSELF. Whether you're just getting started as a runner, or you're training for your 100th marathon, every runner deserves a reward every now and then. Get yourself a massage or a new running shirt. Treat yourself to whatever will make you happy, without setting you back. All those miles deserve something special.

10. FOCUS ON GOOD DAYS. There are certain routes or times of the day that can make a run outstanding. Go on your favorite route, or call up your running pals for a run together. Do whatever it is that makes you remember - "this is why I run!"